What precautions should you take when using mains electrical equipment?

As an electrician you definitely use precautions around electricity to avoid getting shocked or electrocuted. Here are some precautions I use:

• If at all possible make sure the power is turned off.
• When the circuit breaker is turned off put a 'lock' on the breaker box and warning note to keep others from turning the power back on.
• If you can't turn the power off, make sure you are not grounded. Use rubber covered tools. Rubber sole shoes.
• If you can't turn the power off, work on each electrical wire separately. Capping or tapping the wire you are not using while you work on the hot wire.
• If you have to pull a flat bladed fuse from a fuse box use a specially built 'fuse puller'.
• If you can't turn the power off, use a 'Electrical Tick Detector' to make sure there is no power in the wires.
• There is a 'Circuit Breaker' finder if you don't know which breaker to turn off. You plug the 3 pronged insert into the receptacle then use the electrical wand to locate the breaker.
• There is a device for checking GFCI receptacles to make sure they are working properly.

shutting up